Benefits of using open source software

Today, most organizations and business have developed a likeness of open source software in their daily computing tasks. It can be noted that open source is greatly favored than commercial software, maybe because of the incorporation of ideas and tricks of various developers who contribute to the betterment of such software by enhancing features which promote security, reliability and stability of the software with all this achieved at an accelerated pace unlike it would be the case of commercial software.

But why open source?

It’s true that companies or software engineers who develop and give away open source projects may be geared more at numbers — they want as many users as possible to adapt their projects ‘freely’ which is a good way of reducing the operational expenses of the user.

I must admit that many users also love free software and other applications such as games and an individual will go to the extent of developing a crack for any commercial software or application which interests other users and then the crack is uploaded to the internet for downloads.

But why should they be trusted?

You will agree with me that the internet is filled with multiple cases of fraud and extortion through spam advertisements & notifications, hacking, information & data infringement, malware, viruses etc, most of which result from the freebies which are available on the internet, though when downloaded can result to be unwanted programs.

What I’m I saying here?

You may be looking for a free software for your computer and when you find one and try to download, you end up downloading some crappy programs which are completely unrelated to what you were looking for; or maybe you download an attachment which is destructive to your PC such as viruses or you might be compelled to sign up with your personal details such as an email address which is eventually used to spam.

Yet still, open source projects and platforms seem popular with some having millions of users such as Linux or WordPress. Below are several reasons for the rising popularity of open source software and projects.

Security.

Open source projects have been taunted to be more secure than their commercial counterparts. We are talking about the technological contribution which is today a kind of competition attracting the best brains of software engineers who are quick to spot flaws and contribute towards the betterment of the open source project by providing reliable means of countering any security threats.

Also since the source code is available for businesses and companies as well as governments, then the ability to carry out adequate security reviews or audits becomes easier and accountable.

Affordability and Reliability

I earlier, on this post, discussed something pertaining to reduction of operational costs by the users. It’s true and will admit that any serious business should never be afraid to incur costs of running their operations, but you will also agree that the sole purpose of any business is to reduce overheads and maximize profits. Open source has the solution for this for the IT department of various companies. For individual users, we are talking about ‘Manna from heaven’.

Not only are the costs reduced substantially, but open source projects are developed to be quite stable thus guaranteeing users of the continual use without break down. They provide reliability for the users than most commercial software hence the user doesn’t have to worry about any down times but concentrate on other productive matters.

Flexibility.

Different businesses as well as individual have different needs and features that they deem fit for their productivity. We are talking about making choices which suits your needs. The freedom involves enables you to make a good decision which is in line and coherence with what you want.

Unlike in most commercial software where you are coerced to conform to the regulations of the producers, such as updating the software in open source you get what you want, when you need it. You are also given the option of making your customizations to fit the solutions that you seek from the software.